The Tatmadaw has launched operations against PDF groups allegedly using schools in villages across Chauk Township, Magway Region, as temporary military bases.

According to the military, the PDFs pressured village teachers to join the Disloyal Civil Servant (DCS) movement and occupied school compounds as temporary camps, forcing several schools to suspend classes.

The military said it began a counter-terrorism operation on June 21 to clear the insurgents from the school areas and facilitate the reopening of schools. During the operation, the insurgents reportedly retreated after sustaining casualties, while troops seized weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment.

The military also claimed that the PDFs had dug communication trenches and defensive fighting positions in civilian homes and school compounds throughout villages in Chauk Township and had been using them as temporary military bases. It said these actions had deprived school-age children of access to education and hindered their educational development. The military further asserted that the use of schools for military purposes constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions and international law and amounts to a war crime.

The Tatmadaw stated that it will continue clearing schools and surrounding areas of insurgent activity to enable classes to resume as quickly as possible and will work to reopen the remaining schools that are still closed.